Explanation:
Today humanity will make its first attempt to land a probe on the nucleus of a comet.
As the day progresses, the
Philae (fee-LAY) lander will separate from the
Rosetta spacecraft and head down to the surface of
Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
Since the texture of the comet's surface is unknown and its surface gravity is surely low,
Philae will then attempt to harpoon itself down, something that has never been done before.
Featured here is an artist's illustration of
dishwasher-sized
Philae as it might look on
Comet Churyumov–Gerasimenko's surface,
along with explanation
balloons
detailing onboard scientific instruments.
Many people on a blue planet
across the Solar System will be eagerly awaiting
news and
updates.
Whether Philae actually lands,
whether it
lands
on a smooth patch, whether the harpoons take hold,
and how far the
robotic lander sinks into the surface should all become known as events unfold today.